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It certainly is a rosy time to be a convicted criminal in our fair land, Why just last week, Terry McAuliff, Governor of Virginia, gave voting rights back to over 200,000 convicted felons. And currently 13 states have joined the 'ban the box' movement, which prevents state employers from asking a job applicant about their criminal record until after the interview process. Now, Louisiana may become the 14th.

A bill introduced by Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle would indeed do that very thing, and she says the purpose of the bill is to get the person with a criminal record a chance to explain their story. I can hear it now...."So, why exactly did you decide to rob banks in the first place?". "Ummm, 'cause dats where all da money was.".  or, "What possessed you to kill EVERY person in the house?".  "Well.......they was home?"

Fortunately, people like Baton Rouge Rep. Barry Ivey see the potential for disaster in this bill, and are taking measures to ensure it does not become law.  Ivey said he's worried about violent criminals sliding through undetected who will not volunteer details about their past. (YA THINK?) "I'm sure there's a group of people who've had that record follow them, and know that it's so hard to get a job, and say you know what, I'm not going to mention it. Maybe you find out, maybe you don't." said Ivey.

Louisiana has done some stupid things in the past (David Duke, drive through daquiri stands), but this would be one of the dumbest yet. We'll keep you posted as the bill now goes before the full house.

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